In a bid to escape from her unhappy marriage and fearing for her own safety, Ayesha flees in the dead of night with her young daughter Sabina. In London she ends up finding refuge in a house where the other residents are also hiding from their past. There's Hayden, once a successful rock star but now burnt out and grieving for his lost love; elderly Joy, crotchety and set in her ways; and Crystal, warm-hearted and penniless, stuck in a degrading job. Ayesha's arrival is the catalyst for change, and all the inhabitants of the house learn to spread their wings and embrace a new life. But dark clouds from the past intrude into their world. They must trust each other and find courage before they can find peace and love. This author yet again proves why she's a best-seller, with warm characters and a plot which keeps the pages turning.

Freda Lightfoot - Peace in my Heart

Set in the aftermath of World War II, the novel follows Evie and her family as they struggle to reconnect with each other after being separated during the war. The children were evacuated and the two girls have lost touch with their brother. They have had many difficulties to surmount during their years away from home. Evie's husband has been a prisoner of war, and when he returns he suffers from psychological and health problems. It is a difficult path for Evie as she tries to make a home for her family. Meanwhile her elder daughter Joanne, now seventeen, has no time for young Bernie, who has been a good friend to her and now wants a deeper relationship - but he seems reliable and boring in comparison with the GI who stole her heart then returned to America. Struggling with unscrupulous and damaged people, it takes all the courage of Evie and her family to reunite and find happiness and stability. An emotional read, highlighting a time that is so often forgotten, when hostilities ceased and people had to try and pick up their lives again.

Hannah Richell - Secrets of the Tides

There's a double meaning in the title, as the novel focuses not only on a family called Tide, but also their home on the Dorset coast. The timeline moves between the past and the present. Dora Tide is living in London in the present day, but cannot move on to the future because of the events of a tragic day ten years earlier. Big changes in her life mean that the time has come for her to try and face the past, and she makes the journey to Dorset one more time. As the story unfolds, we are given glimpses of the past and the reasons for the tragedy, as well as its effect on Dora and the rest of the family. The characters are vivid and well-drawn, their faults and failings stirring our sympathy while we see them running from, and then facing, the actions of the past. A novel that draws the reader in and captures the emotions.

This novel, set at the end of World War 2, follows three young women as they join an ENSA concert party, travelling through Britain and then into France to entertain workers and troops. Catherine, a talented singer, is grieving for her husband Chris, who was reported missing in action. Della is a feisty young entertainer from Liverpool with a big heart and a cheeky personality, and needs to make money to look after her family at home. Frances is from a privileged background, but her family is now struggling to maintain their home while her brother is a prisoner of war in the Far East. Into this mix come various young men who capture the young women's hearts, not least the attractive but enigmatic Robert Lennox. All three women have secrets of their own, and dramatic secrets are uncovered during the tension and struggles of their time with the entertainment group. The plot has plenty of twists and turns, and is full of intriguing characters.

John Marrs - The One

There has been a lot of hype over this novel, but I was attracted by the story and wasn't disappointed. It's a sort of science fiction story set in the present day but with one distinct difference - the discovery of a way of matching people up with their perfect mate. It only involves taking a free DNA swab and sending it off for analysis. If you're matched, then you pay a nominal fee and get the identity of your Match. It sounds simple, but there are lots of pitfalls. What if you're already happily married but not to your actual Match? There could also be a large age difference between you and your Match. And what if you were matched with a serial killer? The author doesn't pull any punches - it's not a soft read, but it keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Written from the point of view of both men and women, it certainly makes you think about love and what constitutes a successful relationship.

Jill Mansell - The Unpredictable Consequences of Love

Not a catchy title, but the book itself is very memorable. Written in the author's easy-to-read style, with likeable characters trying to solve the problems in their lives and find happiness. Sophie lives and works as a photographer in a Cornish village, but she cannot bring herself to start a new relationship due to the emotional scars left from her failed marriage. Ex-manager of a successful pop group, Josh returns to the village to help his grandmother with her hotel, stirring the heart of Tula, Sophie's friend - but he isn't interested. Instead, it's handsome layabout Riley who has his eye on her. And it's not just the younger generation who have secret longings and tricky relationships. Secrets abound in the village, and there are many revelations, some totally unexpected, before the novel comes to its conclusion.

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A Happy New Year 2018!

​These are the books I have enjoyed reading in the past month:

Margaret Dickinson - The Clippie Girls

If you like a good saga with strong characters and plenty of drama, then you'll enjoy Margaret Dickinson's novel, set in wartime Sheffield. It follows three sisters, Peggy, Rose and Myrtle, who live with their widowed mother and grandmother. At the outbreak of World War II, Peggy, Rose and their mothe, all become 'clippies' on the trams. Working during the Sheffield Blitz, through love, heartache, and life-threatening dramas, their courage and family bonds are tested to the very limit. Plenty of background colour, and a story that keeps the reader turning the pages.

Sheila O'Flanagan - The Missing Wife

This Irish author is one whose books I always enjoy reading. The missing wife of the title is Imogen who has planned her disappearance for a long time, finally managing to escape on a business trip to France. As the novel unfolds we learn of her troubled past and how she ended up in a marriage to controlling husband, Vince. This novel keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, following Imogen as she tries to settle into a new life in the French Basque country, where she spent time as a child. At the back of her mind is the fear that Vince may track her down, and we also follow him as he sets off on his quest to try and find her. An excellent read.

John Jackson - Heart of Stone

This debut novel was inspired by events in the life of the author's ancestor, Robert Rochfort. The book is set in eighteenth century Ireland, and follows Robert and his younger brothers Arthur and George from the time of their father's death. Robert is widowed and looking for a wife of means to give him the dynasty he desires. Soon his eye falls on young Mary Molesworth, who enters into a marriage with him filled with hope. But she soon finds that her husband is only interested in the children she can give him, and he neglects her in favour of his various mistresses. Robert and George vie with each other to create most prestigious house, and are ruthless in pursuing this. But the trouble really begins when Mary meets middle brother Arthur, who has a commission in the British army, and the two realise that they have deep feelings for each other. As the years pass, Robert becomes increasingly cruel and selfish, living up to the title of the novel - his is truly a heart of stone. The author skilfully weaves an intriguing story around the events of the era, with deft touches of historical authenticity. A satisfying read.

Another of Fern Britton's Cornish books, this one hits all the right notes for a good read. Helen has relocated from London to make a new life without her ex-husband, who has hurt her too many times. She sets up home in a charming old cottage near the church, and soon finds herself in the sights of single surfing vicar, Simon, and clashing with attractive local historian Piran. A mystery connected to Helen's cottage intrigues them, but before they can go any deeper, Helen's friend Penny descends on the village with a television crew and actors to film a new cosy crime series. Emotions run high, especially when Helen's grown up son and daughter visit, as well as her ex-husband Gray. Full of the author's trademark charm and warm characters.

Veronica Henry - The Long Weekend

Another book set during a Cornish summer - and it doesn't fail to please! Claire and her partner Luca, a talented chef, run a boutique hotel on the Cornish Riviera, a select destination for those looking for a holiday to remember. As guests arrive for the weekend, Claire is questioning whether she wants to continue in a relationship where she cannot trust the sexy Luca and pander to his selfishness. Their financial partners arrive to seek their agreement on opening a new London hotel, but behind their flashy facade they are concealing a disturbing secret. We are also embroiled in the stories of other guests: a middle aged man meeting his former mistress and their daughter; a young woman looking for her real father; and a stag party whose arrival threatens Claire's world and rocks the foundations of her life. An engrossing read from start to finish.

Jill Mansell - You and Me, Always

Life has had its ups and downs for Lily while growing up in the village of Stanton Langley. Her beloved mother died when she was young, and she never knew her father. But her mother's close friend, Coral, brought her up as her own child, so she has never lacked for love. There's also Patsy, who used to babysit her when she was young, and Patsy's younger brother, Dan. But now she's grown up, Lily has begun to realise that Dan is more than just the boy she used to spar with - he's a devilishly attractive man, but he certainly knows it and is never short of girlfriends. Now Lily works in Coral's antique and bric-a-brac business, but there are things missing from her life that she wants to remedy. Characters from her mother's past enter her life with life-changing consequences for herself and her friends - and there's also a gorgeous Hollywood actor who turns up unexpectedly in the village and has a distinct effect on her. Warm-hearted and intriguing, this book has plenty of twists and turns as the protagonists sort out their tangled emotions.

This author's tales of modern life and relationships are always a hit with me. This book tells of Sheridan, a young Dublin sports journalist who feels that she is always trying to live up to her successful brothers. Her life takes an unexpected downward turn when she ends up jobless, homeless and boyfriend-less, through no fault of her own. Determined not to flounder, she takes a temporary job with a small-town newspaper where she has to learn many new skills. Her journalist's instinct is roused by a local mystery connected to the owner of the newspaper, who also just happens to be the man who fired her from her original job. But there are plenty of distractions along the way, including her new landlady, Nina, who is trying to cope with life alone after her charismatic actor husband has had yet another fling. Plus Sheridan sparks with local businessman Joe who transmits electricity to her emotions but seems to always be beyond her reach. Revelations and heart-searching abound in this captivating novel.

Judith Saxton - Still Waters

This is a pen name of author Katie Flynn. A sweeping saga beginning in 1918, it follows the lives of two young people, Mal in Australia, and Tess in the Norfolk Broads region of England. Both are troubled by nightmares that stem from tragedies during their early years, but they are unaware that one day their paths will cross. A long book, but the pace keeps going throughout, as secrets from the past gradually unfold. The bulk of the novel is set in World War Two when both Tess and Mal end up serving their countries. Their meeting and the subsequent attraction they feel makes them re-examine their lives and make huge decisions about their future as the fortunes of war tear them apart. A good, long read, full of flavour and interesting characters in both England and Australia.

Jane Green - Falling: a love story

The novel follows the story of ex-banker Emma, who has fled the rat race in New York and is renting a property in Westport, Connecticut. She left her upper-crust home in England eight years earlier, and now wants the time to breathe and rediscover herself as an interior designer. What she hasn't counted upon is falling for her good-looking landlord, Dominic, a handyman and bartender who is totally unlike the rich, suited high-flyers that she has dated in the past. But it is his kindness and positive attitude to life that beguile her. Also in the equation is Dominic's six year old son, whom he has been raising alone since his birth. Opposition from family, reappearances of past lovers and differences of background cause bumps in the road of their relationship. Written with tenderness and compassion, this is a story that touches the reader's heart.

Carole Matthews' contemporary romances explore relationships in families as well as couples. In this novel, magazine journalist Lyssa is struggling to cope with her failed attempts at IVF and the end of her relationship with Jake. He has begun an affair with a younger work colleague. Lyssa turns to her supportive sister, mother of six and wife of the ever-stoical Lee. But Lyssa's family and former boyfriend are astonished when she decides to trekking in Nepal, the last place anyone would have expected her, a city girl through and through, to go. In this dramatic and peaceful landscape, Lyssa learns much about herself and makes decisions about her life, while back in Enlgand, Jake is also taking a long good look at himself and the choices he has made. Written in Carole Matthews' usual witty style, the novel engages the reader from start to finish.

Cathy Kelly - Between Sisters

This author is known for her insightful and satisfying books that centre around family relationships, and this one is no different. The story follows sisters Cassie and Coco who grew up without their mother, an addict who left them when they were small and disappeared out of their lives. After their father died they were given a loving home by paternal grandmother, Pearl. However, there was always something missing from their lives, and this has coloured their relationships since then. Now in their thirties, Cassie is married with two daughters, and Coco has a broken engagement behind her. Their lives are turned upside down when Coco's friend Jo falls seriously ill, leaving her nine year old daughter in Coco's care. Fears of loss and abandonment haunt the two sisters again, as their lives fall apart and they try to find a way to mend them. Full of heartwarming moments and emotion, another great book by Cathy Kelly.

Lesley Pearse - Dead to Me

I have always enjoyed Lesley Pearse's novels, and this one is no different. It follows the story of two girls from differing stations in life - Verity, who comes from a middle class home and attends a private school, and Ruby, who has to fend for herself most of the time as her mother is too poor and seems to care less. In 1935 the girls meet and form a bond. This unlikely friendship continues to thrive through their changing situations, Verity's for the worse and Ruby's for the better. But a crisis causes a bitter rift in their relationship as war approaches. They both have many more trials to experience, and must forge their own paths in life. With vivid characters, expert historical background, and twists and turns, this gripping story of friendship, love, betrayal and suspense is hard to put down.

Jenny Colgan is better known for her award-winning romantic comedy books, but she writes in another genre, which is science fiction. This book is a mixture of both - a romantic comedy with a sci-fi twist. Maths whizz Connie is drafted in along with several other top brains to work on deciphering a signal coming from outer space. The other mathematicians are a varied lot, including Se, who is Connie's former fling. But enigmatic Luke is the one who draws her attention most acutely. The group begin to bond and rebel against the strict regime they are subject to. But Connie perceives a pattern in the extra-terrestrial message, and when her attraction to Luke is reciprocated, the story takes an unexpected turn, including a chase across Europe to save the world. Full of Jenny Colgan's warm humour and characters, the novel also explores how we regard those who are different to ourselves. Unusual and entertaining.

Santa Montefiore - Daughters of Castle Deverill

This is the second novel in a trilogy (which I only discovered once I had started reading) so I won't disclose too much for those who wish to start with the first book. Written in Santa Montefiore's polished style, full of flavourful characters and family secrets, this is an excellent read. Based around the females of the family and their connections, we follow the stories of Kitty, Celia and Bridie which started in Songs of Love and War. Again their lives entwine, and those of the men they love, the story travelling across the sea from Ireland to England and America. Another engrossing novel by this accomplished author. I shall now obtain the first book in the trilogy and catch up with the earlier part of the story!

Fionna Carothers - A Grass Bank Beyond

This is a non-fiction book that I purchased on my summer holiday on the beautiful Scottish island of Mull. Fionna Carothers was born early in World War II, and her father died during this conflict. As a young child she regularly visited her mother's family on Mull, but financial worries led them to move there to live with her grandparents, while Fionna boarded at school during term times. This is a delightful account of life when the island had no electricity, the roads were tracks and there was no television and very little radio available. We meet Grandpop, retired doctor and inventor, Kitten (Grandma, a Gaelic speaker), Uncle John who returned between his deployment overseas, and Puddy (Mother). They all inhabited a large house near Fionnphort, where the ferry crosses to the sacred island of Iona. Local characters and engaging animals fill the pages of the book. An engrossing story of an innocent childhood lived in harmony with the seasons and the traditions of island Scotland.

As the title suggests, this is a novel of World War I. Audrey Howard writes with compassion and understanding, and as ever, all her characters are fully-rounded and sympathetic. Rose is an independent young woman of means, orphaned young and now running her own estate. In the early days of war, she strikes up a lasting friendship with Alice, who against her father's wishes wants to wave off Charlie, the man she loves, on his way to the Front. As Charlie and Alice's love affair suffers the consequences of war, Rose steps in to offer comfort and help to her friend. Her heart is captured by Harry, Charlie's older brother, whose home becomes a military hospital. Once he goes to war, Rose finds herself in charge of the hospital as well as her own home. The tragedy of war threatens the relationships of both couples, but is there a way for happiness to triumph in the end? A novel that keeps the reader engrossed to the last page.

Susie Vereker - Pond Lane and Paris

Widow Laura lives in a crumbling house in Hampshire, and is finding it hard to make ends meet. She misses her daughter who is living in South America, has a buried passion for Jack, who is married to her friend Mel. She cannot give in to her feelings as she cares for them both and tries to give them support in their problematic marriage. Then the offer of an unusual job comes along - to be a mentor to Charlotte, daughter of Oliver, a divorced British diplomat in Paris. During school holidays Laura rents her home to another friend and decamps to the French capital. Here she tries to be responsible and genteel, and offer troubled teen Charlotte the guidance that her father desires. Oliver is handsome and charming, and Laura finds herself coping with situations and relationships that she could never have imagined. The author draws the reader into the story as emotion, duty and disappointment compete in Laura's struggle to find contentment.

I have just two books to write about from my June reading, as I'm in the middle of a very large science fiction book at the moment!

Danielle Steel - Pegasus

Danielle Steel moves from her usual modern day setting to a historical one. The story focuses on two widowed aristocratic Germans, Nick and Alex, during World War II. An unexpected discovery about Nick's family means that he has to flee to America with his two young sons to save their lives. He takes with him a gift of horses, including the magnificent Pegasus, from his friend Alex. In their new country Nick and his family make a living as circus performers. It is a life totally alien to their experience, but they are accepted into the circus family, many of whom are also from Europe. Nick is smitten by the beautiful high wire artiste, Christianna, but faces opposition from her despotic father. Alex, meanwhile, tries to survive under the Nazi regime and protect his daughter, who eventually manages to flee to England. An intriguing plot, with interesting characters. The book engages the reader from start to finish.

Jenny Colgan - Christmas at the Little Beach Street Bakery

This turns out to be the third in a series, but stands alone well without reading the first two. Polly lives in a lighthouse with her American boyfriend, Huckle, and a rescued puffin called Neil. She runs the bakery of the title on a tiny island which is joined to mainland Cornwall by a tidal causeway. We join her life as the island approaches Christmas, with the challenges of bad weather and isolation. This also compounds the growing distance between Polly and her friend, Kerensa, who lives on the mainland with her American husband, Reuben, Huckle's friend. Kerensa has a secret that she eventually shares with Polly, but it causes a huge dilemma as Polly can't tell Huckle. Meanwhile she has a bakery to run, and mounting money worries as winter progresses. As Christmas approaches, all the problems come to a head, and somehow must be sorted out. Warm characters, engaging situations, a vivid setting, and written with Jenny Colgan's usual feel-good style.

When Michael proposes to Katy on the Eiffel Tower, it causes a cascade of events that affect family, friends and acquaintances. At first the different characters seem to have little in common, but gradually their connections are revealed. We see sisters Leila and Susie being shaken up by their mother's car accident, discovering truths about themselves and their mother. Then there is Michael's mother, Grace, preparing for the wedding and working round the situation of her divorced husband Stephen and his new partner. Katy's timid mother Birdie feels overwhelmed by the prospect of the wedding, and as usual is pushed around by her domineering husband Howard. Also we meet young widow Vonnie who is hoping to make a new life with Ryan, but whose estranged wife makes his life a misery by using their young daughters as pawns. The varied mix of characters and situations keeps the reader guessing, as they all search for answers while preparing for Katy and Michael's big day. A typically engrossing read by this popular author.

The cafe of the title is situated in a seaside town on the south coast of England. Millie has been running it since she was eighteen, when her parents died, and during the ten years since then she has never had time for romance. All her affections are focused on her dog, Trevor. Her friends fear that she hasn't had a chance to live. But this changes when the gorgeous Jed turns up in the cafe, and soon Millie's heart is captured. The regulars of the cafe and their dogs rally round her when she faces competition from a new chain-backed cafe which opens nearby. But Jed remains a mystery - he seems smitten with her, but is he just too good to be true? A charming, light-hearted read with endearing characters. Part one of a trilogy.

Emily R. King - The Hundredth Queen

A fantasy novel with a background of rajahs, ranis, elephants, monks and turbaned soldiers, an unusual setting.. Kalinda is removed from the safety of the temple to prepare to wed the evil rajah, Tarik, as his hundredth queen. Torn from her dear friend Jaya, she enters a world of bitter rivalry from the other queens and courtesans at the rajah's court. A web of intrigue and scandal surrounds the court, where they fear the supernatural powers of the mysterious bhutas. Kalinda finds a champion in the handsome soldier, Deven, who accompanies her on the journey to her wedding. Together they discover the sinister reasons behind Tarik's choice of Kalinda for his queen. Secrets and discoveries abound, while Kalinda must battle for her life, her identity, and the man she loves. An enjoyable read, escapism at its best. Part one of a trilogy.